14 Must-Have ALDI Items Every Floridian Should Keep in Their Home
ALDI isn’t your average grocery store. The carts require a quarter, the snacks are oddly affordable, and the checkout people are faster than race car drivers.
Best of all? ALDI is packed with stuff you’ll wish you’d stocked up on sooner once you try them for the first time. From snacks to freezer lifesavers to cleaning supplies, there are some serious hidden gems in those shelves.
Whether you’re a meal-prep pro or someone who just wants dinner to be easy, these are the ALDI must-haves every Floridian should keep at their house.
Red Bag Chicken
If there’s one thing ALDI fans can’t stop raving about, it’s the famous red bag chicken.
This crispy, juicy chicken breast fillet is found in the freezer section and looks pretty basic at first—but don’t be fooled. It tastes just like the kind of chicken you’d get from a fast-food place.
Loyal ALDI customers even call it “Chick-fil-A dupe” chicken. Seriously, pop it in the air fryer or oven, and boom—dinner is done.
These chicken fillets are super versatile. You can throw them on a bun for a quick sandwich, chop them up for a salad, or just eat them plain with some dipping sauce. And they’re fully cooked, which makes them even more convenient.
No raw meat worries here—just heat and eat.
Red bag chickens have a tendency to sell out, so if you spot a bag, it’s smart to grab more than one.
Mama Cozzi’s Take & Bake Pizzas
Sometimes, you want pizza without the whole delivery hassle. Mama Cozzi’s pizzas from ALDI are made for those exact moments.
They come in giant sizes, with fun toppings like mega meat, buffalo chicken, or even macaroni and cheese. You just pop them in the oven and in about 15 minutes, you’ve got pizza that smells and tastes amazing.
These pizzas are so big, they barely fit in a regular fridge shelf. We’re not exagerating—they’re known for being almost party-sized.
The crust is crispy, the cheese is gooey, and it honestly tastes like something from a pizza shop.
You’ll find these in the refrigerated section—not frozen—so they cook up super fresh. And if you want to fancy it up, you can add your own toppings like extra cheese, jalapeños, or even pineapple (if you’re into that sort of thing).
It’s the kind of ALDI item that makes lazy nights feel like a win.
Emporium Selection Cheese
If you’re someone who likes to feel a little fancy now and then, the cheese section at ALDI is a goldmine. Emporium Selection offers all sorts of cheeses that look expensive but won’t wreck your wallet.
You can grab sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, brie, and even cranberry goat cheese that’s perfect for the holidays—or anytime, really.
These cheeses aren’t just for cheese boards. You can slice them up for sandwiches, melt them on burgers, or snack on them with crackers. They also make great last-minute party food if someone suddenly says, “Hey, I’m coming over.”
Just grab a wooden board, lay out some cheese and nuts, and pretend you planned it all along.
The cool part? ALDI rotates in new cheese flavors depending on the season, so it never gets boring.
Specially Selected Brioche Buns
Sure, you could grab regular hamburger buns. But once you’ve tried ALDI’s Specially Selected brioche buns, you may never go back. These are soft, a little bit sweet, and taste like they belong in a fancy café.
They work great with burgers, grilled chicken, pulled pork, or even breakfast sandwiches with eggs and bacon.
The texture of these buns makes every bite better. They hold up well without getting soggy, which is a big deal if you’re putting sauces or juicy toppings on your sandwich.
Plus, they toast up beautifully if you like a little crisp on the edges.
Even if you’re not making sandwiches every day, it’s worth having a pack of broiche buns in the kitchen. You can freeze them, and they still taste good after thawing.
Benton’s Cookies
Every pantry needs a treat drawer, and Benton’s cookies are perfect for filling it up. They come in a bunch of different kinds—chocolate chip, fudge stripe, peanut butter filled, and even dupes of big-brand favorites like Oreos and Girl Scout cookies.
The best part?
They taste amazing and cost way less.
These cookies are great for dessert, school lunches, or when you just need a little something sweet after dinner. Some people even use them in recipes, like crushing them up for pie crusts or layering them into ice cream cakes.
If you’re having guests over or packing snacks for a road trip, Benton’s cookies are a no-brainer. They last a while in the pantry and don’t taste stale after a few days like some store brands do.
Stock up once, and you’ll be covered for all your cookie emergencies.
Choceur Chocolate
ALDI’s chocolate game is strong, especially when it comes to the Choceur brand. This is not your regular checkout-lane candy bar. These chocolates are creamy, rich, and straight-up fancy.
They come in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, hazelnut, almond, and even filled bars like caramel or peanut butter.
What makes Choceur special is that it’s made in Europe, where chocolate rules are a bit stricter. That means better ingredients, smoother texture, and more flavor without costing a ton.
It’s the kind of chocolate you’d expect from a specialty store, but you’re getting it while grabbing bananas and laundry detergent.
If you like to keep a little “treat stash” in your nightstand or desk drawer, Choceur is the perfect pick. It’s also great for gifting—just tie a ribbon around a few bars, and you look super thoughtful.
Friendly Farms Almond Milk
If you’re lactose intolerant, vegan, or just like trying new things, Friendly Farms almond milk is a great staple. It comes in flavors like original, vanilla, and unsweetened, and it works for cereal, coffee, smoothies, or even baking.
Plus, it has fewer calories than regular milk and still tastes great.
What’s cool about this almond milk is how long it lasts. Since it’s shelf-stable before opening, you can buy a few and store them in your pantry until you need them. That’s perfect for emergencies or when you suddenly run out of milk and don’t want to do a store run.
It also has calcium and vitamin D added in, which helps if you’re not getting those from other foods.
Whether you’re fully dairy-free or just like to mix it up, keeping a carton or two of Friendly Farms almond milk at home makes life easier.
Millville Oats
Oatmeal might not sound exciting, but it’s one of those foods that saves the day more often than people give it credit for.
Millville oats at ALDI come in regular and quick-cook styles, and they’re super affordable. They make a healthy breakfast, snack, or even dessert depending on how you fix them up.
You can cook them on the stove, in the microwave, or even overnight in the fridge. Add fruit, cinnamon, brown sugar, or nut butter to change things up.
Some people even use oats for baking—hello, oatmeal cookies and homemade granola bars.
Having a big tub of Millville oats in your pantry means you’re never totally out of food options. They’re filling, easy to make, and you can turn them into something tasty without needing a lot of other ingredients.
Kirkwood Chicken Nuggets
Let’s be honest—everyone loves chicken nuggets. ALDI’s Kirkwood brand makes frozen nuggets that are crispy, flavorful, and easy to cook. Toss them in the oven or air fryer and you’ve got lunch or dinner in no time.
Kids love them, adults love them, and even picky eaters rarely complain.
What’s great about these nuggets is how consistent they are. They cook evenly and don’t end up weird or soggy like some frozen brands. Plus, the breading has actual flavor, not just salt.
You can dip them in ranch, ketchup, honey mustard—whatever you’re into.
They’re also handy for busy nights when you don’t feel like cooking a big meal. Just add some frozen veggies or fries and you’ve got dinner with barely any effort. Keep a bag in the freezer and thank yourself later when the hunger hits.
Radiance Cleaning Supplies
ALDI doesn’t just sell food. Their Radiance line of cleaning products is seriously underrated. You can get everything from multi-surface spray to dish soap and disinfecting wipes, and they all work really well for the price.
Plus, a lot of them smell great—none of that harsh chemical stink.
These products are great for everyday messes, like kitchen counters, bathroom sinks, or spilled juice on the table. The disinfecting wipes are perfect to keep under the sink or in the car for quick cleanups.
And the sprays?
Just as good as big-name brands, if not better, in our opinion.
They often have seasonal scents too, like apple or lavender, which makes cleaning feel a little more fun. If your home needs a clean-up (and whose doesn’t?), Radiance products help without making you feel like you’re dumping your money down the drain.
Simply Nature Organic Salsa
ALDI’s Simply Nature organic salsa is one of those things you didn’t know you needed until you try it. It’s fresh, flavorful, and made with organic tomatoes, onions, and peppers.
It comes in mild and medium, so you can pick the heat level you’re comfortable with. It’s way tastier than some of those watery jarred salsas you get elsewhere.
This salsa isn’t just for chips (although that’s definitely a great combo). You can also spoon it over tacos, mix it into scrambled eggs, or use it as a topping for baked potatoes. It adds a lot of flavor without needing a bunch of extra ingredients.
Basically, it makes everything taste better with almost no effort.
And because it’s organic, you’re skipping the artificial stuff. It’s nice knowing you’re getting something that’s both healthy and delicious. Keep a jar or two in the fridge or pantry, and you’ll always be ready for snack attacks or last-minute dinners.
Burman’s Sauces
Burman’s is ALDI’s go-to brand for all sorts of sauces—BBQ, hot sauce, mustard, mayo, and more.
The BBQ sauces are especially popular because they come in flavors like honey, Carolina-style, and mesquite. They’re great for grilling, dipping, or slathering on sandwiches.
These sauces taste just as good as name-brand ones, but they cost a lot less. And ALDI doesn’t skimp on flavor. The hot sauce has a nice kick, the spicy mustard is great for burgers, and the mayo is creamy enough for deviled eggs or chicken salad.
You’d never guess these were store-brand.
Whether you’re throwing a backyard cookout or just making lunch, Burman’s sauces bring the flavor without draining your wallet.
Deutsche Küche Spaetzle
If you want to mix things up with your side dishes, ALDI’s Deutsche Küche spaetzle is a fun change from plain old rice or pasta.
Spaetzle is a soft egg noodle that’s popular in Germany. ALDI sells it in the international section in flavors like cheese, garlic butter, or mushroom.
It cooks up quickly and goes great with things like chicken, pork, or sausage. Some people even mix it with veggies or throw in extra cheese for a homemade comfort dish.
It’s hearty, satisfying, and a little different from your usual dinner options.
Since it’s shelf-stable, you can keep a few boxes of spaetzle in your pantry and grab them when you’re bored of the same sides every week. ALDI brings in the Deutsche Küche products during their special European weeks, so when you see it, stock up—because it disappears fast.
Belmont Ice Cream
Last but definitely not least, you’ve got to check out ALDI’s Belmont ice cream. It comes in fun, indulgent flavors like Moose Tracks, peanut butter cup, and cookies and cream.
Some even say it’s better than big-name brands, and it costs way less for a whole tub.
This ice cream is creamy, sweet, and loaded with mix-ins. You don’t get a half-empty container with just a few cookie bits. No way. Belmont goes all in.
And they even have some seasonal flavors during the holidays, like peppermint or pumpkin spice.
It’s perfect for movie nights, birthdays, or just when you want something sweet after dinner. Keep a tub or two in your freezer, and your future self will thank you every time that dessert craving hits.
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